At 9:30 this morning, 135 competitors set off on the 50th edition of the Syz Translémanique en Solitaire. Conditions were excellent, with a light south-westerly wind that enabled all the competitors to set off under spinnaker and put on an exceptional show.
Marius Lanz, aboard Surprise Malice, took the lead on the right bank, while the larger yachts, Psaros 33 and other Luthis, generally opted for the middle of the line, heading for Belotte, led by MSC, MB’s, Katana, Petrel and Carpediem. Hans-Peter Bichelmeier on his Melges 24 also got off to a great start.
The first squall soon arrived, gusting to 10-15 knots and soaking the competitors.
The race leader at the end of the small lake was Katana, skippered by Alexander de Weck, who reached Yvoire in less than an hour and a half. There’s still a long way to go, and the weather is highly uncertain, with complicated situations ahead. An exciting challenge for the competitors in this Syz Translémanique en Solitaire.
Photo © Christopher Shand